A friend of mine whose father served as a leading Seaman on H.M.S. Warspite during the war, today showed me his fathers wartime photographs, many taken onboard the Warspite. The Photo album has never left his possession except for one occasion, when it was loaned to an author writing a book about the Warspite and some photographs I am told were used as illustrations. Other than that these photographs have never been in the public domain and my friend agreed that I could put them on the forum for all to see. I am sure that most will agree that this is a good collection of action shots taken at a time when all was not going well for Britain and her Allies. I was not able to scan the album but took photographs and hope that this does not detract from the historic nature of the originals. The family are from the Shetland Islands and many relatives and friends who worked in the fishing industry volunteered for the Royal Navy or Merchant navy and many never returned. Regards Tom
Tom. That is fantastic. I can only echo what Mike said, please thank your friend for allowing them to be shown.
Thank you for the comments and I will pass them on next week. I found this website with some photographs on the subject. [Photo] Warspite under attack in Mediterranean, circa 1943 | World War II Database Regards Tom
I initially didn't bother having a look as I thought they would be a link to a site about the ship - I'm really glad my curiousity got the better of me. Thanks for posting them Tom and thanks to your friend to allow you to do it. Andy
Terrific The labels in the family album and notes in the picture borders make them even better. Thanks, Dave
During this mornings Tea and biscuits at the RBL Berlin Branch my friend Tom (The owner of the Album) showed me a signed copy of the book "Warspite" by Iain Ballantyne and part of a series I believe of Warships of the Royal Navy. ISBN 085052 779-1 Leo Cooper Pen and Sword. 2001 I am now looking to obtain a copy. Warspite: Amazon.de: Iain Ballantyne: Englische Bücher 12,27 euro Regards Tom
Thank you Tom what and amazing collection of photographs.... It makes me sad to see the picture of Warspite taking that direct hit to my stepfathers engine room and knowing he lost so many friends whom he subsequently had to bury at sea.... Abide with me..... RIP Leading Stoker Cyril Claude Phillips...
did the photo album album belong to an official photographer? The reason I ask is that pic 14 and the first pic on 15 are exactly the same as published in East of Malta West of Suez, the admiralty account of the war in the Med 1939 - 1941, the pics are of the Italian Artagliere sinking, 11th Oct 1940.
did the photo album album belong to an official photographer? The reason I ask is that pic 14 and the first pic on 15 are exactly the same as published in East of Malta West of Suez, the admiralty account of the war in the Med 1939 - 1941, the pics are of the Italian Artagliere sinking, 11th Oct 1940. The Photo album was passed down from father to son. The father was a Leading seaman on the Warspite and the photographs were his own collection and several that were gifted to him during the war. Several photos ended up being used in the book previously mentioned about the Warspite. I have come across names misspelled or totally wrong before in Albums, so it is not unusual to find mistakes. Regards Tom